Introduction Critical reading techniques

You'll probably find that there's a lot of reading required for your module. Like many students, you might find you're time-poor and you'll therefore need to be speedy and efficient in your reading. This section will help you become an efficient reader and information processor.

Reading university texts requires a more strategic approach from that used when you read for pleasure. When you read for university you need to know why you're reading something and how to actively extract information.

Making notes is an essential part of the reading process. If you read lots of material without making notes, you'll only forget what you've read and waste your time. Having said that, you should not dive straight into reading and note-taking, instead you need first to stop and think about what you're doing. You need to adopt an efficient approach.

Finding the right space and time to read in is important. You need a comfortable and quiet place, where you'll not be disturbed or interrupted.

Most people can only concentrate for about 15-20 minutes in one go so read for short periods and complete other study tasks in between.

Sometimes you need to check that you understand what you're studying and revisit any parts you have found difficult so pause for thought occasionally.

If you're not confident that you've understood something, discuss it with other students in tutorials, self-help groups and module forums.